The Arsenal stars that will be key for Champions League victory against Bayern Munich

The Gunners face arguably their toughest test of the season against the Germans.

After the excitement of Manchester City v Barcelona in the Champions League last-16 on Tuesday, it’s the turn of Arsenal who face a tough tie with Bayern Munich.

The Germans are the reigning champions and Arsene Wenger’s men lost 0-2 at the exact same stage at the Emirates Stadium to Bayern last year.

Of course the Gunners will be keen to avoid a repeat result and here are three players from north London who will be key to the side’s potential success.

Per Mertesacker

Wenger has the defence playing brilliantly this term – aside from 6-3 and 5-1 defeats to Manchester City and Liverpool respectively – and whilst it has been a combined effort, Mertesacker is the key man.

Although Mikel Arteta has the armband on the pitch in the absence of club captain Thomas Vermaelen, the Germany international is the undisputed leader.

Mertesacker will need to organise a back four of Bacary Sagna, Laurent Koscielny and Kieran Gibbs to suppress the attacking Bundesliga outfit.